System and method for adjusting torque distribution

ABSTRACT

A system and method herein relate to vehicle control by adjusting a torque distribution of the vehicle. The system includes a first motor configured to provide a torque to a first wheel, and a delivery system configured to controllably apply a traction control compound to a route on which the first wheel is configured to travel. The system also includes a controller circuit having one or more processors. The controller circuit is configured to control the delivery system to apply the traction control compound to the route based on a monitored temperature of the first motor.

FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to vehiclecontrol.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle system may include one or more powered vehicles that may bemechanically or otherwise linked (directly or indirectly) to non-poweredvehicles. For example, the vehicle system may include a train containingpowered locomotives and non-powered cars. The powered and non-poweredvehicles of the vehicle system may travel as a group according to a tripplan of a route within a transportation network. Each of the poweredvehicles may have a plurality of axles utilized to produce a tractiveeffort to move the vehicle system along the route. However, during astart of the tractive effort and/or continuous tractive effort of thepowered vehicle a weight transfer reaction can occur between the axlesof the powered vehicle of the vehicle system. For example, a lead axleof the powered vehicle can carry a lower load with respect to a trailingaxle of the powered vehicle. The weight transfer between the axles canresult in a torque distribution variance (e.g., imbalance) between theaxles of powered vehicles, with torque reductions at lead axles due towheel to ground adhesion losses, and a simultaneous torque transfer tothe heavier axles, which can require the rear and heavier axles operateabove specified operational values (e.g., causing high temperatureoperations) while lead axles are underutilized. The same torque transfercan occur at sub-systems of a powered vehicle (e.g., between the poweredaxles of a bogie). Additionally, the torque variance can cause tractiveeffort deration due to temperature limits leading to a failure of thepowered vehicle when continuous tractive effort is required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, a system includes a reservoir configured to hold atraction control compound, and a delivery system coupled to thereservoir. The delivery system includes a first opening positionedproximate to a first wheel. The system includes a controller circuithaving one or more processors. The controller circuit is configured toreceive respective temperature measurements of a first motor and asecond motor. The first motor is configured to provide a torque to thefirst wheel, and control transfer a portion of the traction controlcompound from the reservoir to the first opening when the temperaturemeasurement of the first motor is above a predetermined non-zerothreshold.

In an embodiment, a method includes monitoring a first temperature of afirst motor and a second temperature of a second motor. The first motoris configured to provide a torque to a first wheel. The method includestransferring a portion of a traction control compound from a reservoirto a first opening when (e.g., responsive to) the first temperature isabove a predetermined non-zero threshold to deposit the traction controlcompound on a portion of a route proximate to the first wheel.

In an embodiment, a system includes a first motor configured to providea torque to a first wheel, and a delivery system configured tocontrollably apply a traction control compound to a route on which thefirst wheel is configured to travel. The system also includes acontroller circuit having one or more processors. The controller circuitis configured to control the delivery system to apply the tractioncontrol compound to the route based on a monitored temperature of thefirst motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present inventive subject matter will be better understood fromreading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, withreference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a powered vehicle system, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a delivery subsystem, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-B are illustrations of an opening, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a swim diagram of a method for adjusting a torque distributionof a vehicle system, in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of sensor measurement signals, inaccordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments herein describe systems and methods foradjusting a torque distribution within a powered vehicle system. Forexample, a delivery subsystem of the vehicle system may deliver atraction control compound to one or more axles and/or wheels coupled tothe axles. The traction control compound may be configured to increasean adhesion, friction, and/or the like between the wheels and a routetraversed by the powered vehicle system. For example, the tractioncontrol compound may be sand, sandite, and/or the like. The tractioncontrol compound may be delivered by the delivery subsystem of thevehicle system based on temperature measurements of motors (e.g.,traction motors) of the powered vehicle system. For example, the vehiclesystem may implement a temperature protection strategy based ontemperature measurements representing temperatures of the motors of thevehicle system. The delivery subsystem may be configured to deliver thetraction control compound to adjust power to limit a temperature of themotors. The temperature of the motor may be indicative of an amount oftorque, traction and/or the like being applied to the axle. When atemperature of a certain motor is above a predetermined non zerothreshold with at least one second motor below the predetermined nonzero threshold, is indicative of differences between a torque of themotors resulting in a imbalanced torque distribution of the poweredvehicle system, the torque of the second motor being reduced due to lackof wheel to route adhesion. The traction control compound may bedelivered to the axles and/or wheels of the second motor not having atemperature above the threshold to increase the adhesion between theroute and the wheels, and increase the torque delivered by the secondmotor to reduce the difference between axles and/or wheels of thepowered vehicle system, therewith reducing the torque of the firstmotor, a torque relief that provides temperature reduction to the heavyloaded motor.

At least one technical effect of various embodiments described hereinmay include reduction of weight transfer effect of the vehicle system.At least one technical effect of various embodiments described hereinmay include improvement of the torque distribution between axles of thevehicle system. At least one technical effect of various embodimentsdescribed herein may include reduction of overload in trail axles of thepowered vehicle sub-systems (e.g., axles of a bogie). At least onetechnical effect of various embodiments described herein may includeelimination of temperature protection strategy application. At least onetechnical effect of various embodiments described herein may includeimproved usage distribution between motors of the vehicle system.

While the discussion and figures included herein may be interpreted asfocusing on rail vehicle consists (e.g., trains) as the vehicle systems,it should be noted that not all embodiments of the subject matter hereindescribed and claimed herein are limited to trains and railroad tracks.(A consist is a group of vehicles that are mechanically linked to traveltogether.) The subject matter of the systems and methods disclosedherein may apply to other vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, and/orthe like. Additionally, the vehicle system may not be mechanicallylinked but may be logically linked. For example, communicatively coupledwith each other to coordinate travel along a route.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle system 100, in accordancewith an embodiment. It should be noted that although the vehicle system100 is shown as a single propulsion-generating vehicle (PGV), in otherembodiments the vehicle system 100 may include more than one PGV and/orone or more non-propulsion generating vehicles mechanically coupledtogether to form a consist. The vehicle system 100 may include acommunication circuit 102, a memory 104, a propulsion subsystem 106, aone or more sensors 118, an input/output (I/O) device 110, a display116, a controller circuit 108, and a delivery system/subsystem 114.These components may communicate with each other via wired and/orwireless connections. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle system100 may include one or more components in addition to the listedcomponents and/or one or more of the listed components may be includedon a different vehicle that is communicatively coupled to the vehiclesystem 100.

The communication circuit 102 may include a transceiver, a transmitterand receiver, and/or the like. The communication circuit 102 may beelectrically coupled to an antenna 115, for example, the communicationcircuit 102 is configured to wirelessly communicate, bi-directionally,with off-board locations, such as a remote system (e.g., centraldispatch facility), other vehicle systems traveling within atransportation network, and/or the like.

The propulsion subsystem 106 is configured to provide tractive effortsto propel the vehicle system 100 along the route. The propulsionsubsystem 106 may include one or more engines and/or motors, wheels,fins, or treads that engage the track material, and also a fuel or powersource that energizes the engines and/or motors. For example, thepropulsion subsystem 106 may include a plurality of traction motors thateach generate a torque to corresponding axles 130-133 of the vehiclesystem 100. Optionally, each axle 130-133 is mechanically coupled to oneof the traction motors. Additionally or alternatively, one of thetraction motors may be coupled to a plurality of axles 130-133. Eachwheel 120-123 of the vehicle system 100 is mechanically coupled to oneof the axles 130-133, respectively, of the vehicle system 100. When thetorque is applied to the axles 130-133 and thereby to the wheels120-123, the wheels 120-123 rotate to propel the vehicle system 100.

The propulsion subsystem 106 may be associated with a braking subsystem(not shown) that is configured to slow movement of the vehicle system100 and/or prohibit movement of the vehicle system 100 completely whenactuated. It may be noted that although the vehicle system 100 is shownhaving four axles 130-133 in various embodiments the vehicle system 100may have less than four axles 130-133 (e.g., two axles) or more thanfour axles 130-133 (e.g., six axles, eight axles).

The I/O device 110 is configured to receive input information from oneor more user devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a hand-held device(e.g., cell phone, tablet, PDA, etc.), touchscreen, and/or a graphicaluser interface of the display 116. The I/O device 110 may transmit theinput information to the controller circuit 108 for processing.

The display 116 may be an LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma display,CRT monitor, or the like. Optionally, the display 116 may include atouch sensitive surface (e.g., sensor or set of sensors that acceptsinput from a user based on haptic and/or tactile contact) which may beused as a part of the I/O device 110. For example, the display 116 maydisplay a graphical user interface which is interfaced by the user byinteracting with the touch sensitive surface of the display 116.

The controller circuit 108 controls the operation of the vehicle system100. The controller circuit 108 may be embodied in hardware, such as aprocessor, controller, or other logic-based device, that performsfunctions or operations based on one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software). The instructions on which the hardware operates may be storedon a tangible and non-transitory (e.g., not a transient signal) computerreadable storage medium, such as the memory 104. The memory 104 mayinclude one or more computer hard drives, flash drives, RAM, ROM, EEPROMand/or the like. Alternatively, one or more of the sets of instructionsthat direct operations of the hardware may be hard-wired into the logicof the hardware.

The one or more sensors 118 are configured to monitor and/or acquire oneor more characteristics of each of the traction motors of the propulsionsubsystem 106. For example, the sensors 118 may generate sensormeasurement signals representing temperatures of the traction motors,which is received and/or acquired the controller circuit 108 and/or thedelivery subsystem 114. The sensor measurement signals include one ormore electrical characteristics representing the temperature monitoredand/or acquired by the sensors 118. Based on the one or more electricalcharacteristics of the sensor measurement signal (e.g., amplitude,voltage, current, frequency), the controller circuit 118 and/or thedelivery subsystem 114 may determine the temperature of the tractionmotors of the propulsion subsystem 106. In one aspect, the sensors 118may monitor the components of the propulsion subsystem 106 to protectthe operation of the propulsion subsystem 106. For example, duringoperation of the traction motor, the temperature of the traction motormay indicate an amount of work, tractive effort, power and/or likedemanded of the traction motor by the vehicle system 100. Thetemperature of the traction motors may indicate an imbalance in torquedistribution between the traction motors.

The delivery subsystem 114 is configured to deliver the traction controlcompound to the axles 130-133 and/or wheels 120-123 of the vehiclesystem 100. The delivery subsystem 114 is operably coupled to openings125-128 (e.g., apertures, holes, and/or the like) via a series of tubesand/or pipelines. For example, the delivery subsystem 114 is configuredto deliver the traction control compound within the tubes and/orpipelines to one or more of the openings 125-128. Additionally oralternatively, the vehicle system 114 may have multiple deliverysubsystems 114. For example, each of the axles 130-133 and/or the wheels120-123 of the vehicle system 100 may have a corresponding deliverysubsystem 114. In another example, two or more axles 130-133 and/or thewheels 120-123 of the vehicle system 100 may have a correspondingdelivery subsystem 114.

In connection with FIG. 2, the delivery subsystem 114 may include acontroller circuit 202, a reservoir 206, a memory 204, and a deliverycircuit 208.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the delivery subsystem 114, inaccordance with an embodiment. The reservoir 206 (e.g., tank, box) maybe a volume configured to hold the traction control compound. Thetraction control compound may be sand, sandite, and/or the likeconfigured to increase an adhesion, friction and/or the like between anouter surface area of the wheels 120-123 and the route traversed by thevehicle system 100.

Optionally, the reservoir 206 may include a sensor (not shown)configured to measure an amount of traction control compound within thereservoir 206. For example, the sensor of the reservoir 206 may measurea weight, a traction control compound, a level of the traction controlcompound and/or the like. The controller circuit 202 may receive and/ordetect the amount of traction control compound within the reservoir 206based on the sensor measurements. Additionally or alternatively, thecontroller circuit 202 may output and/or generate a fault when theamount of the traction control compound is below a threshold. Forexample, the controller circuit 202 may output a fault to the controllercircuit 108 indicative that the amount of the traction control compoundis below the threshold. Based on the fault, the controller circuit 108may display a notification on the display 116 indicative that the amountof the traction control compound within the reservoir 206 is low and/orneeds to be refilled. Optionally, based on the fault the controllercircuit 202 may reduce an amount of traction control compound deliveredto the openings 125-128 relative to an amount of traction controlcompound without the fault.

The controller circuit 202 controls the operation of the deliverysubsystem 114. The controller circuit 202 may be embodied in hardware,such as a processor, controller, or other logic-based device, thatperforms functions or operations based on one or more sets ofinstructions (e.g., software). The instructions on which the hardwareoperates may be stored on a tangible and non-transitory (e.g., not atransient signal) computer readable storage medium, such as the memory204. The memory 204 may include one or more computer hard drives, flashdrives, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or the like. Alternatively, one or more of thesets of instructions that direct operations of the hardware may behard-wired into the logic of the hardware. Additionally oralternatively, the controller circuit 202 may receive instructions fromthe controller circuit 108. For example, the controller circuit 202 maybe communicatively coupled to the controller circuit 108 via an I/O port210.

The delivery circuit 208 is configured to direct the traction controlcompound from the reservoir 206 to a corresponding opening 125-128. Forexample, the delivery circuit 208 may mechanically couple the tubesand/or pipelines between the reservoir 206 and/or one or more of theopenings 125-128. The delivery circuit 208 may receive instructions fromthe controller circuit 202 on which opening 125-128 to direct thetraction control compound. Additionally or alternatively, the deliverycircuit 208 may be a part of, integrated with, and/or the like with thecontroller circuit 202. For example, the operations of the deliverycircuit 208 may be performed by the controller circuit 202.

Optionally, the delivery circuit 208 may include an air pressure system.For example, the delivery circuit 208 may generate compressed air topropel the traction control compound from the reservoir 206 to one ormore of the openings 125-128. Additionally or alternatively, thetraction control compound may be propelled by the delivery circuit 208using gravity. For example, the reservoir 206 of the delivery subsystem114 may be positioned above the openings 125-128 to allow agravitational force of the earth may propel the traction controlcompound from the reservoir 206 to the one or more of the openings125-128.

In connection with FIGS. 3A-B, the openings 125-128 shown in FIG. 1 maybe proximate to the axles 130-133 and/or wheels 120-123 of the vehiclesystem 100.

FIGS. 3A-B are illustrations 300, 350 of openings 320, 320 a-c, inaccordance with an embodiment. For example, the openings 320, 320 a-cmay be similar to and/or the same as the openings 125-128 shown inFIG. 1. The opening 320 as shown in FIG. 3A is positioned above an axle308 and/or wheel 302. In various embodiments, the opening 320 isconfigured to be positioned relative to the axle 308 and/or the wheel302 to allow the traction control compound when exiting the opening 320to be applied between an outer surface area of the wheels 120-123 andthe route traversed by the vehicle system 100. The wheel 302 may besimilar to and/or the same as the wheels 120-123. The opening 320includes a tube and/or pipeline 324 coupled to the delivery subsystem(e.g., the delivery subsystem 114). For example, the opening 320receives the traction control compound from the delivery subsystem viathe tube and/or pipeline 324.

The opening 320 includes pipe arms 326 and 328 extending in opposingdirections with respect to a junction switch 322. The pipe arms 326 and328 include openings 330, 332 at a distal end of the pipe arms 326, 328with respect to the pipeline 324. The openings 330, 332 are positionedat opposing ends of the wheel 302. The openings 330, 332 are configuredsuch that the traction control compound is exhausted, deposited, and/orthe like on the route prior to the wheel 302 making contact (e.g., whentraveling and/or moving on the route) with the route overlaid with thetraction control compound. Additionally or alternatively, the openings330, 332 are configured such that the traction control compound isexhausted, deposited, and/or the like adjacent and/or proximate to thewheel 302.

The opening 320 may include a junction switch 322. The junction switch322 is configured to direct the traction control compound from thepipeline 324 to one of the pipe arms 326, 328. For example, the junctionswitch 322 has a switch position, which directs the traction controlcompound to one of the pipe arms 326 and 328 based on the forward motionof the vehicle system. The switch position may be based on a forwardmotion, represented by one of the arrows 304, 306 of the vehicle system.

For example, the vehicle system has a forward motion aligned with thearrow 304. The junction switch 322 may direct the traction controlcompound to flow and/or traverse from the pipeline 324 through the pipearm 326 having the opening 330 adjacent to the wheel 302 in a directionof the arrow 304. It may be noted that the junction switch 332 whendirecting the traction control compound to flow through the pipe arm 326and may not direct the traction control compound through the pipe arm328. In another example, the vehicle system has a forward motion alignedwith the arrow 306. The junction switch 322 may direct the tractioncontrol compound to flow and/or traverse from the pipeline 324 throughthe pipe arm 328 having the opening 332 adjacent to the wheel 302 in adirection of the arrow 306. It may be noted that the junction switch 332when directing the traction control compound to flow through the pipearm 328 and may not direct the traction control compound through thepipe arm 326.

In connection with FIG. 3B, the openings 320 a-b are configured suchthat the openings 330 a-b and 332 a-b may exhaust and/or deposit thetraction control compound to different and/or adjacent wheels 302 a-cand/or axles 308 a-c based on a traveling direction (e.g., forwardmotion) of the vehicle system. For example, the opening 320 a ispositioned to deliver the traction control compound adjacent to thewheels 302 a and 302 c. In another example, the opening 320 b ispositioned to deliver the traction control compound adjacent to thewheels 302 b and 302 c. The delivery subsystem (e.g., the deliverysubsystem 114) may be configured to utilize one or more of the openings320 a-b based on a direction the vehicle system traversing along theroute.

For example, the vehicle system (e.g., the vehicle system 100) has aforward motion aligned with the arrow 304. The controller circuit (e.g.,the controller circuit 108, 202) may instruct the delivery subsystem todeliver the traction control compound to the wheels 302 a and 302 c viathe opening 320 a. The junction switch 322 a may direct the tractioncontrol compound to flow and/or traverse from the pipeline 324 a throughboth of the pipe arms 326 a and 328 a to exhaust the traction controlcompound from the openings 330 a and 332 a. In another example, thevehicle system (e.g., the vehicle system 100) has a forward motionaligned with the arrow 306. The controller circuit (e.g., the controllercircuit 108, 202) may instruct the delivery subsystem to deliver thetraction control compound to the wheels 302 a and 302 c via the openings320 a and 320 b. The junction switch 322 a of the opening 320 a maydirect the traction control compound to flow and/or traverse from thepipeline 324 a through the pipe arm 328 a having the opening 332 a todeposit the traction control compound adjacent to the wheel 302 a. Thejunction switch 322 b of the opening 320 b may direct the tractioncontrol compound to flow and/or traverse from the pipeline 324 b throughthe pipe arm 326 b having the opening 330 b to deposit the tractioncontrol compound adjacent to the wheel 302 c.

FIG. 4 is a swim lane diagram 400 of a method for adjusting a torquedistribution of the vehicle system 100, in accordance with anembodiment. The method, for example, may employ or be performed bystructures or aspects of various embodiments (e.g., systems and/ormethods) discussed herein. For example, the swim lane diagram 400includes operations performed by the plurality of sensors 118,controller circuit 108, and the delivery subsystem 114. In variousembodiments, certain operations may be omitted or added, certainoperations may be combined, certain operations may be performedsimultaneously, certain operations may be performed concurrently,certain operations may be split into multiple operations, certainoperations may be performed in a different order, or certain operationsor series of operations may be re-performed in an iterative fashion. Invarious embodiments, portions, aspects, and/or variations of the methodmay be able to be used as one or more algorithms to direct hardware toperform one or more operations described herein.

It may be noted in various embodiments the operations of the controllercircuit 108 shown in the swim lane diagram 300 may be performed by thecontroller circuit 202 of the delivery subsystem 114. Additionally oralternatively, the operations of the delivery subsystem 114 may beintegrated with and/or performed by the controller circuit 108.

Beginning at 402, the one or more sensors 118 generate measurement dataof the traction motors of the propulsion subsystem 106. For example, thesensors 118 may generate sensor measurement signals representing atemperature of the traction motors of the vehicle system 100 thatgenerate torques to corresponding axles 130-133 of the vehicle system100. The sensor measurement signals include one or more electricalcharacteristics representing the temperature monitored and/or acquiredby the sensors 118. The sensor measurement signals may correspond to ananalog signal having an amplitude, voltage, current, and/or the likethat correspond to the temperatures of the traction motors. Additionallyor alternatively, the sensor measurement signals may be a digital signalhaving a frequency, binary sequence, and/or the like that correspond tothe temperatures of the traction motors.

At 404, the controller circuit 108 determines if the temperature of thetraction motors is above a predetermined non-zero threshold. Duringoperation of the traction motor, the temperature of the traction motormay indicate an amount of work, tractive effort, power and/or likedemanded of the traction motor to generate a torque utilized to propelthe vehicle system 100. Optionally, the controller circuit 108 maymonitor the temperature data of the traction motors over time byacquiring the sensor measurement signals and/or calculating thetemperature of the traction motors based on the one or more electricalcharacteristics of the sensor measurements signals. For example, thesensor measurement signals may be a digital signal representing a value.The controller circuit 108 may compare the value of the temperature withthe predetermine non-zero threshold. Additionally or alternatively, inconnection with FIG. 5, the controller circuit 108 may compare thesensor measurement signals generated by the sensors 118 to apredetermined non-zero threshold 504.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation 500 of sensor measurement signals520-523, in accordance with an embodiment. The sensor measurementsignals 520-523 may correspond to traction motors of the vehicle system100. For example, the sensor measurement signals 520-523 may correspondto temperatures of the traction motors of the propulsion subsystem 106for the axles 130-133, respectively. The differences in temperaturesbetween the traction motors may be caused by load imbalances betweenslipping traction motors and non-slipping traction motors. For example,the load imbalances may be caused by wheel slips due to adhesion lossbetween one or more of the wheels 120-123 of the slipping tractionmotors that suffer from weight reductions when the load is transferredto alternative wheels 120-123 of the non-slipping traction motors. Thesensor measurement signals 520-523 are plotted over a horizontal axis502 representing time. The sensor measurement signals 520-523 having anamplitude corresponding to a temperature value based on a position alonga vertical axis 501. The controller circuit 108 may compare the sensormeasurement signals 520-523 to the predetermined non-zero threshold 504.The predetermined non-zero threshold 504 may be stored in the memory104, 204. The threshold 504 may be based on a designed operationspecification (e.g., mechanical, electrical, thermal, and/or the like)by a manufacturer of the traction motor, which indicates conditions onwhen the traction motor may fail. For example, when the traction motoroperates above the designed operation specification for a period oftime, an increased likelihood of mechanical and/or electrical failure,damage, protective performance reductions, and/or the like of thetraction motor may occur. It may be noted in various embodiments thepredetermined non-zero threshold 504 may correspond to an engineeringparameter configured to prevent operation of the traction motor outsidethe designed operation specification.

For example, the designed operation specification may define atemperature of a traction motor during operation, for example only,should not exceed 150 degrees Celsius. The predetermined non-zerothreshold 504 may be at and/or a set value (e.g., percentage, a setvalue, and/or the like) from the designed operation specification. Forexample, the predetermined non-zero threshold 504 may be set at 90% ofthe value of the designed operation specification. It may be noted thatalthough the threshold 504 is shown as an amplitude value in otherembodiments the threshold 504 may be a frequency, a slope, a binaryvalue, and/or the like.

The controller circuit 108 may determine that the temperature of thetraction motors is above the threshold 504 when an amplitude of at leastone of the sensor measurement signals 520-523 is above the threshold504. For example, the controller circuit 108 may determine at 506 thesensor measurement signals 522 and 523 correspond to temperatures of thetraction motors of the axles 132-133 having the wheels 122 and 123 isabove the threshold 504.

If one of the traction motors has a temperature above the predeterminednon-zero threshold, then at 406 the controller circuit 108 may determineif at least one of the motors (e.g., traction motors) is below thepredetermined non-zero threshold 504. Differences in temperatures of thetraction motors may be indicative of different power, tractive effortand/or the like between the traction motors, which correspond to acounterbalance in the torque distribution of the vehicle system 100between the traction motors. For example, when a first temperature of afirst traction motor is above the threshold and a second temperature ofa second traction motor is below the threshold can be indicative thatthe first and second traction motors are generating different amounts oftorque to corresponding axles 130-133. The different amount of torquesare indicative of an imbalance (e.g., the torque generated by thetraction motors are the same and/or within a threshold) in the torquedistribution of the vehicle system 100. For example, the imbalance canbe associated to wheel slips of one or more wheels 120-123 connected tocorresponding traction motors having a relatively less load compared toalternative traction motors of the vehicle system 100.

The controller circuit 108 may determine that the temperature of atleast one of the traction motors is below the threshold 504 when anamplitude of at least one of the sensor measurement signals 520-523 isbelow the threshold 504. For example, the controller circuit 108 maydetermine the sensor measurement signals 520 and 521 correspond totemperatures of the traction motors of the axles 130-131 having thewheels 120 and 121 is below the threshold 504.

If there is no traction motor below the threshold 504, then at 407 thecontroller circuit 108 may instruct the display 116 to display a faultnotification, equipment usage abuse notification, and/or the like. Forexample, the controller circuit 108 may display a graphical iconconfigured to notify (e.g., textually, graphically, using one or morecolors, and/or the like) the user that the traction motors of thevehicle system 100 is at fault and/or not operating within the designedoperation specification of the traction motors. Optionally, thecommunication circuit 102 may automatically transmit the fault to aremote system (e.g., dispatch facility) to schedule maintenance and/orother corrective actions for the vehicle system 100.

At 408, the delivery subsystem 114 may deliver the traction controlcompound to the select axles 130-131. For example, the controllercircuit 108 may instruct the controller circuit 202 of the deliverysubsystem 114 to deliver the traction control compound to the axles(e.g., axles 130, 132) and/or wheels (e.g., the wheels 120, 121) of thetraction motors identified at 406 having temperatures below thethreshold 504. Additionally or alternatively, the controller circuit 108may include a forward motion of the vehicle system 100, which may beutilized to direct the openings 125-128 to deposit the traction controlcompound to a forward position relative to the wheels 120, 121.

Based on the received instructions, the controller circuit 202 mayinstruct the delivery circuit 208 to deliver the traction controlcompound to the openings 125 and 126. The delivery circuit 208 maytransfer the traction control compound from the reservoir 206 to theopenings 125 and 126 via the tubes and/or pipelines (e.g., the pipeline324 in FIG. 3) connecting the openings 125 and 126 to the deliverycircuit 208. In various embodiments, the delivery circuit 208 maytransfer the traction control compound from the reservoir 206 to theopenings 125, 126 at a rate within a set predetermined threshold, forexample, to remain relatively constant. For example, the deliverycircuit 208 may continually deliver the traction control compound to theopenings 125 and 126.

The openings 125 and 126 deposit the traction control compound adjacentto the wheels 120 and 121 onto the route traversed by the vehicle system100. For example, the openings 125 and 126 are configured to overlay thetraction control compound on the route, which will be traveled on by thewheels 120 and 121. When the wheels 120 and 121 move along the routewith the traction control compound, the adhesion, friction, and/or thelike of the wheels 120 and 121 in contact with the route is increasedrelative to the route not having the traction control compound. Based onthe changes in the adhesion of the wheels 120 and 121 with the route,the torque distribution between the traction motors of the vehiclesystem 100 is adjusted. For example, as the traction compound is appliedproximate and/or adjacent to the wheels 120 and 121 (e.g., the slippingwheels) the traction force is increased and the torque and/or load ofthe corresponding traction motors of the wheels 120 and 121 isincreased. The increased force contribution of the traction motors ofthe wheels 120 and 121 decreases the load of at the traction motorsoperating above the predetermined threshold 504 corresponding to thewheels 122 and 123 adjusting the torque distribution of the vehiclesystem 100 and consequently reducing the temperature of the tractionmotors of the wheels 122 and 123.

For example, in connection with FIG. 5, the delivery circuit 208 may beinstructed by the controller circuit 108 to deliver the traction controlcompound at time 506. The delivery circuit 208 may continually deliverthe traction control compound from 506 to 508. At time 508, the sensormeasurement signals 522 and 523 are below the threshold 504. Thecontroller circuit 108 may determine (e.g., at 404) that the temperatureof the traction motors are below the threshold 504 at 508 of the sensormeasurement signals 522 and 523. The torque of the traction motorscorresponding to the wheel 120 and 121 may have increased due to thedeposit of the traction control compound on the route. The leveling ofthe torque distribution between the traction motors corresponding to thewheels 120-123 reduces the amount of work, power and/or the likedemanded by the traction motors of the wheels 122 and 123 associated tothe sensor measurement signals 522 and 523, thereby reducing thetemperature of the traction motors. Based on the determination of thecontroller circuit 108, the controller circuit 108 may instruct thedelivery circuit 208 to stop delivering the traction control compound tothe openings 125 and 126.

Additionally or alternatively, when delivering the traction controlcompound to the openings 125-128, the controller circuit 108 mayinstruct the delivery circuit 208 on an amount and/or rate of thetraction control compound transferred from the reservoir 206 anddelivered to the openings 125-128. For example, the controller circuit108 may define an amount and/or rate of the traction control compounddelivered by the delivery circuit 208 based on an amount of time thetemperature of the traction motor is above the threshold 504. In variousembodiments, the amount of the traction control compound may increaseover time as the duration of the temperature of the traction motor isabove the threshold 504 increases. In another example, the controllercircuit 108 may define the amount and/or rate of the traction controlcompound delivered by the delivery circuit 208 based on an amount of thetraction control compound within the reservoir 206. In another example,the controller circuit 108 may define the amount and/or rate of thetraction control compound delivered by the delivery circuit 208 based ona number of traction motors below the threshold 504 determined at 406.

In an embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a reservoirconfigured to hold a traction control compound, and a delivery systemcoupled to the reservoir. The delivery system includes a first openingpositioned proximate to a first wheel. The system includes a controllercircuit having one or more processors. The controller circuit isconfigured to receive respective temperature measurements of a firstmotor and a second motor. The first motor is configured to provide atorque to the first wheel, and control transfer a portion of thetraction control compound from the reservoir to the first opening whenthe temperature measurement of the first motor is above a predeterminednon-zero threshold.

Optionally, the controller circuit is configured to control transfer theportion of the traction control compound from the reservoir to theopening when the temperature measurement of the first motor is above thepredetermined non-zero threshold and the temperature measurement of thesecond motor is below the predetermined non-zero threshold.

Optionally, the predetermined non-zero threshold is based on a designedoperation specification of the first and second motors.

Optionally, the delivery system includes a junction switch configured todirect the traction control compound to a first pipe arm or a secondpipe arm of the delivery system based on a forward motion of a vehiclesystem. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second pipe armsextend in opposing directions.

Optionally, the traction control compound is sand or sandite.

Optionally, the traction control compound is configured to increase anadhesion between an outer surface area of the first wheel and a route.

Optionally, the system includes a sensor configured to measure an amountof traction control compound within the reservoir. The controllercircuit is configured to generate a fault when the traction controlcompound is below a threshold and reduce an amount of traction controlcompound transferred to the opening based on the fault.

Optionally, the controller circuit is further configured to adjust anamount of the traction control compound transferred to the opening basedon a duration of the temperature of the first motor above thepredetermined non-zero threshold or an amount of the traction controlcompound within the reservoir.

In an embodiment a method is provided. The method includes monitoring afirst temperature of a first motor and a second temperature of a secondmotor. The first motor is configured to provide a torque to a firstwheel. The method includes transferring a portion of a traction controlcompound from a reservoir to a first opening when the first temperatureis above a predetermined non-zero threshold to deposit the tractioncontrol compound on a portion of a route proximate to the first wheel.

Optionally, the method includes adjusting a junction switch associatedwith the first opening based on a forward motion of a vehicle system. Aposition of the junction switch controls amounts of the traction controlcompound sent to a first pipe arm that defines the first opening andsent to a second pipe arm.

Optionally, the predetermined non-zero threshold is based on a designedoperation specification of the first and second motors.

Optionally, the traction control compound is sand or sandite.

Optionally, the traction control compound is configured to increase anadhesion between an outer surface area of the first wheel and a route.

Optionally, the method includes adjusting an amount of the tractioncontrol compound transferred to the opening based on a duration of thefirst temperature of the first traction motor above the predeterminednon-zero threshold.

Optionally, the method includes adjusting an amount of the tractioncontrol compound transferred to the opening base on an amount of thetraction control compound within the reservoir.

In an embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a firstmotor configured to provide a torque to a first wheel, and a deliverysystem configured to controllably apply a traction control compound to aroute on which the first wheel is configured to travel. The system alsoincludes a controller circuit having one or more processors. Thecontroller circuit is configured to control the delivery system to applythe traction control compound to the route based on a monitoredtemperature of the first motor.

Optionally, the system includes a second motor, and one or more sensorsconfigured to generate temperature measurements of the first motor andsecond motor. The delivery system includes a reservoir configured tohold the traction control compound and a first opening coupled to thereservoir. The first opening includes an opening proximate to the firstwheel for application of the traction control compound to the route. Thecontroller is configured to monitor temperature data of the first motorand the second motor based on the temperature measurements, and transfera portion of the traction control compound from the reservoir to theopening when the temperature data of the first motor is above apredetermined non-zero threshold. Additionally or alternatively, thedelivery system includes a junction switch configured to direct thetraction control compound to a first pipe arm or a second pipe arm basedon a forward motion of a vehicle system.

Optionally, the traction control compound is sand or sandite.

As used herein, the terms “module”, “system,” “circuit,” “device,” or“unit,” may include a hardware and/or software system and circuitry thatoperates to perform one or more functions. For example, a module,circuit, unit, device, or system may include a computer processor,controller, or other logic-based device that performs operations basedon instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computerreadable storage medium, such as a computer memory. Alternatively, amodule, unit, device, circuit, or system may include a hard-wired devicethat performs operations based on hard-wired logic and circuitry of thedevice. The modules, units, circuit, or systems shown in the attachedfigures may represent the hardware and circuitry that operates based onsoftware or hardwired instructions, the software that directs hardwareto perform the operations, or a combination thereof. The modules,systems, circuit, devices, or units can include or represent hardwarecircuits or circuitry that include and/or are connected with one or moreprocessors, such as one or computer microprocessors.

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable,and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by acomputer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types areexemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memoryusable for storage of a computer program.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventivesubject matter without departing from its scope. While the dimensionsand types of materials described herein are intended to define theparameters of the inventive subject matter, they are by no meanslimiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the inventive subject matter should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, thelimitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expresslyuse the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void offurther structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose several embodimentsof the inventive subject matter, including the best mode, and also toenable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments ofinventive subject matter, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may includeother examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the presentinventive subject matter will be better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figuresillustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, thefunctional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division betweenhardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functionalblocks (for example, processors or memories) may be implemented in asingle piece of hardware (for example, a general purpose signalprocessor, microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, or thelike). Similarly, the programs may be stand alone programs, may beincorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions inan installed software package, or the like. The various embodiments arenot limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in thedrawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or operations, unless such exclusion is explicitlystated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the presentinvention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existenceof additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments“comprising,” “comprises,” “including,” “includes,” “having,” or “has”an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property mayinclude additional such elements not having that property.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a reservoir configured tohold a traction control compound; a delivery system coupled to thereservoir, wherein the delivery system includes a first openingpositioned proximate to a first wheel; a controller circuit having oneor more processors, wherein the controller circuit is configured to:receive respective temperature measurements of a first motor and asecond motor, wherein the first motor is configured to provide a torqueto the first wheel; and control transfer a portion of the tractioncontrol compound from the reservoir to the first opening when thetemperature measurement of the first motor is above a predeterminednon-zero threshold.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controllercircuit is configured to control transfer the portion of the tractioncontrol compound from the reservoir to the opening when the temperaturemeasurement of the first motor is above the predetermined non-zerothreshold and the temperature measurement of the second motor is belowthe predetermined non-zero threshold.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe predetermined non-zero threshold is based on a designed operationspecification of the first and second motors.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the delivery system includes a junction switch configured todirect the traction control compound to a first pipe arm or a secondpipe arm of the delivery system based on a forward motion of a vehiclesystem.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first and second pipe armsextend in opposing directions.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thetraction control compound is sand or sandite.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the traction control compound is configured to increase anadhesion between an outer surface area of the first wheel and a route.8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured tomeasure an amount of traction control compound within the reservoir,wherein the controller circuit is configured to generate a fault whenthe traction control compound is below a threshold and reduce an amountof traction control compound transferred to the opening based on thefault.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller circuit isfurther configured to adjust an amount of the traction control compoundtransferred to the opening based on a duration of the temperature of thefirst motor above the predetermined non-zero threshold or an amount ofthe traction control compound within the reservoir.
 10. A methodcomprising: monitoring a first temperature of a first motor and a secondtemperature of a second motor, wherein the first motor is configured toprovide a torque to a first wheel; and transferring a portion of atraction control compound from a reservoir to a first opening when thefirst temperature is above a predetermined non-zero threshold to depositthe traction control compound on a portion of a route proximate to thefirst wheel.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising adjusting ajunction switch associated with the first opening based on a forwardmotion of a vehicle system, wherein a position of the junction switchcontrols amounts of the traction control compound sent to a first pipearm that defines the first opening and sent to a second pipe arm. 12.The method of claim 10, wherein the predetermined non-zero threshold isbased on a designed operation specification of the first and secondmotors.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the traction controlcompound is sand or sandite.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein thetraction control compound is configured to increase an adhesion betweenan outer surface area of the first wheel and a route.
 15. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising adjusting an amount of the traction controlcompound transferred to the opening based on a duration of the firsttemperature of the first traction motor above the predetermined non-zerothreshold.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting anamount of the traction control compound transferred to the opening baseon an amount of the traction control compound within the reservoir. 17.A system comprising: a first motor configured to provide a torque to afirst wheel; a delivery system configured to controllably apply atraction control compound to a route on which the first wheel isconfigured to travel; and a controller circuit having one or moreprocessors, wherein the controller circuit is configured to control thedelivery system to apply the traction control compound to the routebased on a monitored temperature of the first motor.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising: a second motor; and one or more sensorsconfigured to generate temperature measurements of the first motor andsecond motor; wherein the delivery system includes a reservoirconfigured to hold the traction control compound and a first openingcoupled to the reservoir, wherein the first opening includes an openingproximate to the first wheel for application of the traction controlcompound to the route; and wherein the controller is configured to:monitor temperature data of the first motor and the second motor basedon the temperature measurements; and transfer a portion of the tractioncontrol compound from the reservoir to the opening when the temperaturedata of the first motor is above a predetermined non-zero threshold. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein the delivery system includes a junctionswitch configured to direct the traction control compound to a firstpipe arm or a second pipe arm based on a forward motion of a vehiclesystem.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the traction controlcompound is sand or sandite.